University and Post-Graduate Resources

Outreach & Engagement

Outreach & Engagement is part of University Programs, a division of Academic Affairs. Outreach & Engagement offers credit and non-credit programs as well as targeted one-time courses, certificate programs and complete degree programs at a distance. Outreach & Engagement serves as a catalyst by utilizing JMU resources to create mutually beneficial partnerships, advance educational opportunities and empower individuals and our extended communities. Outreach & Engagement works with faculty, academic units, students and community organizations to design, market and deliver a wide array of programs. Outreach & Engagement also oversees the enrollment of non-degree seeking students, who are individuals who enroll in credit courses, but are not seeking a degree.

Certificate Program Admission

Individuals who wish to pursue a certificate must apply to the program and be approved before registering for classes. Individuals must complete the Certificate Application available at http://www.jmu.edu/outreach. Virginia residents must also complete the “Checklist and Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates.” A non-refundable $45 application fee must accompany the application. Although certificate program students are considered non-degree seeking students, applicants for certificate programs need only complete the Certificate Application once for the semester in which they wish to begin the program. Students must take at least one course in their certificate program in every twelve month period, or they will be deactivated from the program and will need to reapply if they wish to continue. Applications for certificate programs are forwarded to the appropriate academic unit for review. A list of available certificate programs can be found at the Outreach & Engagement website under “Certificate Programs” at http://www.jmu.edu/outreach/certificates.shtml.

Non-degree Seeking Student Admission

The non-degree seeking student classification includes adult non-degree students, high school non-degree students and teacher licensure students. Individuals seeking enrollment as a non-degree seeking student must complete the “Non-degree Seeking Student Application.” Virginia residents must also complete the “Checklist and Application for Virginia In-state Tuition Rates.” A non-refundable $20 application fee must accompany the application. Non-degree seeking students must submit the application and processing fee each semester they enroll in courses.

Non-degree seeking students can enroll and register for up to 11 hours of credit per semester. If additional credits are needed, students should contact the Outreach & Engagement office. Course prerequisites may apply. Courses at the 500 or 600 level and above require approval by the appropriate department head. Non-degree seeking students can complete the non-degree student application and the in-state form by going to http://www.jmu.edu/outreach and clicking “Apply Online Now” or “Outreach Forms.”

Students should register online during the dates identified for non-degree seeking students following the instructions at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar and clicking “For Students” then “Registration Dates and Deadlines.” Walk-in registration and course adjustments are also permitted for non-degree seeking students.

The courses taken in the non-degree seeking student category carry university credit, and they may be transferred into a degree program, once admitted, at the discretion of the program.

Non-credit Courses and Certificates

JMU Outreach & Engagement offers a wide variety of non-credit courses for workforce and professional development. These programs are available for supplementing and updating knowledge, skills and abilities. Some non-credit courses and workshops award continuing education units (CEUs) as a uniform measure of professional development and to signify the student has completed the course or workshop.

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver

Legal residents of the State of Virginia who have reached 60 years of age before the beginning of an academic term and who have a taxable income that did not exceed $15,000 for the year proceeding the term may register for and enroll in courses as full-time or part-time students and pay no tuition but will incur a $20 application fee as well as fees established for the purpose of paying for course materials, such as laboratory fees. Senior citizens who have a taxable income higher than $15,000 may choose to register to audit courses under the same policy, subject to instructor and department approval. Senior citizens shall be subject to the admissions requirements of the institution and a determination by the institution of its ability to offer the course or courses for which the senior citizen registers. A senior citizen shall only be admitted to a course in which enrollment is sought after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated. A senior citizen tuition waiver form must be submitted to Outreach & Engagement to determine eligibility according to section 23-38:56 of the Code of Virginia.

Forms can be found at the Outreach & Engagement Office or on their website.